As the weather cools, our electric bills rise. And just like our utility budgets, the risk of electrical hazards can spike in the snowy season. While salting your icy pavement and tightening the screen on your fireplace are two crucial safety moves, one of the best things you can do this winter is educating yourself on household safety.
So how can you protect against electrical hazards this winter?
Before settling into a cozy couch for the Holidays, it’s time to check a few items off your seasonal to-do list. From simple tips to professional advice, here’s everything to keep in mind as the snow starts to fall and the heat becomes electric.
What Are the Risks?
Sometimes the biggest threats to your safety are the household items you walk past every day without a second thought. Let’s walk through a few common electrical offenders.
Space Heaters & Electric Blankets
Need the TV room heated for company? Space heaters and electric blankets are great ways to keep yourself and your guests cozy. Although convenient, they’re not appliances you can walk away from absentmindedly. Make sure they’re attended to at all times. Failing to turn either off can cause overheating and, ultimately, an electrical fire.
When it comes to space heaters, avoid throwing anything over them or leaving them too close to a mattress, bedding, or furniture. Also consider investing in a space heater that automatically switches off if you’re worried about forgetting. Electrical blankets should never be folded when turned on or tucked underneath other blankets. And if the blanket is more than 10 years old…it’s time to retire it.
Candles
Did you know that 35% of candles are sold during the Holiday season? After all, who doesn’t love lighting a candle when 5 o’clock suddenly means dark as dusk. While they may be fun, seasonal, and scented, candles are a fire hazard in careless hands. Just like space heaters and blankets, lit candles should never be left alone. Don’t let the seasonal scent fool you – open flames are open flames. All it takes is one knocked-over candle to kickstart a gnarly house fire.
Generators
If you’ve ever lost power in a blizzard or other natural disaster, you probably own a backup power system. Not for the everyday homeowner, you should always consult an electrician before even picking out a generator at the store and bringing one home. Licensed electrical contractors should always help with generator setup. Plus, not every generator is created equally, and not every generator is right for your home.
A few best practices – always follow the printed directions and never power a home by plugging the generator into a wall outlet. This can electrocute neighbors, utility workers, and anyone nearby.
Store The Summer Stuff
It may be winter, but you probably used an array of electrical appliances over the summer too. Check for signs that all appliances from seasons past aren’t damaged. An electrician can check electrical fans, humidifiers, and air conditioning units for signs of wire damage.
When To Lean on The Pros
Regardless of your technical know-how, anyone can follow a few safety tips. But when a real emergency strikes, it’s time to call a professional electrician. When something looks off or gives you a shock, it’s not up to you to solve the electrical mystery. And if an electrical appliance has fallen in water, don’t turn it back on until you consult a professional. Power lines down? Call the power company before you’re an on-street hero. When it comes to your family’s safety, a do-it-yourself YouTube video just won’t cut it. And if there’s anything you shouldn’t take lightly, it’s electricity.
Overall
You’ve probably heard the saying, when you fail to prepare, you prepare to fail. Understanding the risks around us this winter isn’t about instilling fear in your household. When you understand the simple steps towards a fool-proof home, you have nothing to fear.
More questions on electrical safety or electrical services for your home? Bratcher Electric in Wayne Michigan is here to help. As a full service electrical contracting firm, we have keeping businesses and homes up to code, safe and electrically efficient throughout Michigan for over 50 years.
We take care of our customers by providing electrical services with complete customer satisfaction for every job we perform; residential, commercial and industrial. Need backup power for your home or business? Call us for a Free Estimate!